[note] KZOOkids wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans for all that you have done for our country and that you continue to do. The sacrifices you have made have not gone unnoticed. [/note]

by Julie S

There are so many parades and other events in the many communities of SW Michigan to honor our veterans, we cannot possibly list them all! Kalamazoo, Portage, South Haven, Vicksburg and more communities all have parades happening on Monday.

Here are some of the bigger and reader recommended ones in the area.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADES

HASTINGS

Parade begins: Monday, May 30 at 10:30 am

Route: Gathering begins in the Felpausch parking lot. The parade stops first at the courthouse where participants will place wreaths on the monuments there. After a salute is fired by the Post 45 rifle squad, the parade will continue to North Broadway, then north to Tyden Park where a wreath will be placed at the foot of the soldier’s monument. The next stop will be the bridge on North Broadway where a wreath will be placed in the Thornapple River in honor of military personnel who have served on the seas. The rifle squad will fire a salute. Riverside Cemetery will be the final stop for the parade, and participants will place a wreath on the cemetery’s Great American Revolution Monument. Memorial Day ceremonies will then be held. The grave of the most recently buried veteran at Riverside Cemetery will receive the final wreath of the event.

Additional Information: The parade is held by the Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 and is led by the Legion’s color guard, followed by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.

KALAMAZOO

Parade begins: Monday, May 30 at 10:00 am

Route: Begins downtown on Michigan Avenue and ends on Gull Road in front of the Riverside Cemetery.

Additional Information: Sponsored by the Kalamazoo County Veterans and Kalamazoo Sunrise Rotary Club. Featuring floats, military vehicles, bands, fire trucks, marching groups and appearances by veterans of all wars.

PLAINWELL

Parade begins: Monday, May 30 at 11:00 am

Route: The parade leaves from N. Anderson and travels east on E. Bridge St. to Hill Cemetery.

Additional Information: Following the parade the VFW will have a ceremony commemorating their fallen comrades.

Route: Parade begins on Center Street and Michigan Avenue and continuing to Phoenix Street to Bailey Avenue, then north on Bailey to Lakeview Cemetery where a ceremony will take place at 9:45 am.

Additional Information: Parade will have fire trucks, local pageant winners and much more. At 1:00pm there will be a sloppy-joe lunch, free of charge, at the American Legion.

ST. JOSEPH

Parade begins: Friday, May 27 at 12:00 pm

Route: Parade starts at the intersection of Lake Blvd. and Park St. and travels down Lake Blvd. to the John E. N. Howard Bandshell. A short program at the bandshell will be held after the parade.

Additional Information: A parade to honor those veterans who have served this great country of ours and sacrificed their lives to keep our freedom. A short program at the bandshell will be held after the parade. Sponsored by the Korean War Veterans of Southwest Michigan, Inc.

VICKSBURG

Parade begins: Monday, May 30 at 10:00 am

Route: Parade travels north along Washington Street from Belmont to Jackson streets.

Additional Information: The Memorial Service begins at 11:00 am at the Vicksburg City Auditorium.

OTHER INTERESTING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

Camp Kidwell Memorial Day Weekend

May 28-29

Head to Camp Kidwell for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday (9:00am-Noon) and a soup and chili dinner on Saturday (5:00-8:00pm). All meals are free and all-you-can-eat. Donations are accepted and go to support the Camp Kidwell Scholarship Fund. You can explore the camp and talk to the staff about their programs. If you like what you see, you can also sign up for camp.

Coldwater Civil War Renactments

May 26-29

Do you have a history buff? Join in a weekend of living history complete with Civil War Battle Re-enactments, Sutlers and period dance. Spectators can take part in a Civil War Church Service, ride the Steam Engine Train and chat with President Lincoln.

Michigan Adventure “Tribute to the Armed Forces”

May 29-30

Michigan Adventure will celebrate their “Tribute to the Armed Forces” by offering military personnel of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve a free admission on May 29th and 30th. In addition, military personnel may purchase up to six additional tickets for immediate family members at $25.00 each. Guests will be required to show one active military ID, DD-214, military designated driver’s license or Veteran’s Administration Hospital ID to qualify for the discount. Tickets purchased for this event are non-refundable and are valid for admission on one of the listed dates only. Tickets must be purchased at the park on the day of your visit.

Stokes Homestead Farm Market Hometown Heroes Weekend

May 28-29

Free admission will be offered to all Vets, Active-Duty Military, Police, Firefighters and first responders, along with their immediate family (up to 4 people). Lots of local heroes will be present to show what they do and talk about safety and their sacrifices. Enter the raffle while you’re there to win a family Season Pass and benefit the local heroes and the first 100 to enter get a free donut!

20th Annual Lost Boat Ceremony

May 29

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be holding their 29th Annual Lost Boat Ceremony. The ceremony is a solemn and joyful celebration designed to honor the loss of 52 U.S. submarines and 3,600 submarines during WWII. The ceremony concludes with the starting of Silversides’ engines. Following the ceremony, you’re invited to join them for a hot dog lunch and some time to explore the museum and vessels. There is no charge to attend the ceremony or the lunch.